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Elder Law (continued)<br />

“What You Don’t Know About Elder Law Just Might Hurt You”<br />

Long-term care planning is important<br />

because the high cost<br />

of long-term care can ultimately<br />

impoverish an individual and/or<br />

couple. Situations of declining<br />

health are emotionally stressful<br />

for the senior and the family, but<br />

just as stressful is the overwhelming<br />

frustration experienced when<br />

trying <strong>to</strong> navigate through unchartered<br />

and confusing terri<strong>to</strong>ries<br />

of our health care system…<br />

especially when the need for<br />

long-term care comes <strong>to</strong> fruition<br />

suddenly. Seniors and family<br />

members may ask: How are we<br />

going <strong>to</strong> afford this care? What<br />

will Medicare and/or Medicaid<br />

cover if anything? Should mom<br />

pay her children for administrative<br />

management of her finances<br />

or should she transfer assets <strong>to</strong><br />

her children? All of these questions,<br />

when acted upon, have legal<br />

outcomes which can dramatically<br />

affect one’s long-term care<br />

situation and Estate.<br />

More important than the legal and<br />

financial component of long-term<br />

care planning is the well-being of<br />

the senior and, therefore, the environment<br />

of their long-term care<br />

situation. Families should ask<br />

‘What care situation is best for<br />

mom now and in the future?’ An<br />

elder law at<strong>to</strong>rney can offer suggestions<br />

based on mom’s needs<br />

or utilize the service of a Geriatric<br />

Care Manager (employed<br />

by law firm or independent).<br />

A Geriatric Care Manager,<br />

based on their comprehensive<br />

knowledge of the senior care industry,<br />

provides professional and<br />

high quality care planning and<br />

supervision. They consider the<br />

situation as well as the senior’s<br />

and family’s needs <strong>to</strong> ensure the<br />

best agencies and housing options<br />

are presented <strong>to</strong> the family<br />

so <strong>to</strong> arrive at the best long-term<br />

care outcome for mom.<br />

Finally, an elder law at<strong>to</strong>rney<br />

practices not only the legal approaches<br />

detailed above, but<br />

also offers knowledge, patience<br />

and understanding regarding the<br />

aging process and myths associated<br />

with the same. Seniors<br />

feel comfortable and unders<strong>to</strong>od<br />

when dealing with their at<strong>to</strong>rney.<br />

What they thought would be a<br />

dreaded experience empowers<br />

them and leaves them knowing<br />

their legacy is in good order.<br />

**************************************<br />

Thanks <strong>to</strong> Care Options Network elder<br />

law at<strong>to</strong>rney members and staff<br />

for their contributions <strong>to</strong> this article.<br />

Need Help With<br />

Caregiving Decisions?<br />

Our nurses and social<br />

workers can help with<br />

clarity of health care<br />

and service options.<br />

ElderCare Consultants<br />

“Leaders in Care Management”<br />

Specializing in placement and<br />

care management of clients<br />

with medical, dementia<br />

and mental health issues.<br />

For information or <strong>to</strong> set up a<br />

FREE interview<br />

Call or visit our web site<br />

www.eldercc.us<br />

Call: 612-729-9096<br />

Visit us at:<br />

www.PathfinderGCM.com<br />

A Multi-Disciplinary Team Including:<br />

Psychologist, Social Workers & RNs<br />

612-805-5672<br />

Articles Page 16 Senior Housing Direc<strong>to</strong>ry

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